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Atma Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 98 |
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:53 pm Post subject: Aiden |
Tete wrote in BK / XBK Dialogue:
Quote:
Frank, After Stephan Nagel then came John Kane (English), Joy (English), Madaline (English), Nik C. (Italian), 8/2/75 Charlie (OZ), Simon(OZ, Ken(OZ), Michael Timmins(OZ), Maureen & David (English), Waddy (Irish) and then a group of about thrity (1976-1977) in England (Julian was in this group). There was a couple of Westerners that met Brahma Baba in Mt. Abu in the sixties, but never became BKs. This I have been told. Regards, Tete
Tete's post made me think about something. Usually, I am reluctant to name individuals and discuss them on this forum. However, I am making an exception in this case, as I think it's important. I have chosen this hidden forum to discuss this, as a way of being more discreet. Tete has given names, and even dates, of some individuals who "came into the knowledge" very early in the history of the BKs in the west. However, one name is missing and I wonder why? During my time in the BKs, a looooong time ago, I heard quite a bit about a western BK. I never met this brother but here is the essence of what I heard: * He is British and his name is Aiden. * He is brilliant, very well educated - a double MSc - and is a talented scientist. During my first visit to Abu, in the season of 79 / 80, I read, and was very impressed with a paper which (I heard) was co-written by him. * He was one of the first (if not the first) Westerners (European) to come in contact with the BKs. He was travelling through India and literally stumbled on Madhuban. * He became a very prominent Brahma Kumar, and was frequently on stage at BK functions and programs. He had several personal meetings with Baapdada and was mentioned by name by BD sometimes. * He learnt Hindi and was nearly fluent in it. * He followed Shrimath completely - down to the finer aspects of Baapdada's mariadas. * After several years with the BKs - to the shock of many - he abruptly left the path. He hinted at a "need to balance self and service" (ie maybe he felt he was being used) * He got married to a beautiful woman. * Dadi Janki told a gathering of British BKs words to this effect: "I know that, even though you have not asked me, you all want to know why Aiden left. Well, I'll tell you. It's his ego". (A typical and predictable reaction, I suppose). I have written this - not out of a mischievous desire to "out" this distinguished brother - but because of Aiden's significance and his very early involvement with the BKs. I am sure that XBKs based in the UK would know of Aiden. Can any of you shed some light? I heard that even after leaving, he was invited to and attended BK functions and - on the surface at least - his relations with them was cordial. Where is he now? What is he doing? Does he still have contact with the BKs? Is he in contact with fellow XBKs? Does he know about this site?
Tete Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 169 |
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:24 pm Post subject: Aiden |
Atma, If Aiden was left out it was not intentional, I never knew of Aiden and I was simply being told this before rushing to work, with the one that told me. As you know I don't know much about the religious aspects and therefore would know even less about those that followed. Please feel free to amend the post. The ones I have met are still in contact although not as frequent as before. It must seem like a surprise to you that I don't know many things, but it is the truth. It would seem I have an encyclopedia in the house and yet find myself here asking questions. So, when he returns on Friday I will ask him about Aiden and post a reply. Fair enough? I will put it in its simpler terms; last year when we went to see Dadi Janki I had no idea I was suppose to get in line and didn't! I read today’s post by Howiemac and thought Oh BOY! Don't even know the protocol. In truth I am realizing more each day that I don’t know who I married. Upon arriving here some on this chat were mentioning my husband (myself & child) and even posted the City and State were we live in. How is that for a shock to the system! If you knew what I do as a calling you could see me just about dropping dead. I remember wanting to go hide under the blankets and not come out. I remember giving advice to a political person seeking an appointment and after running home, going to bed. I got a call from my sister telling me that the Republican (he appreciates that I can put out a good fight) was asking about me as he wasn’t backing any one and asking where I was. Where was I? In bed by 6:30pm hiding. When she told me they expected me to make the home run speech for this person I just about fainted. Then I remembered how impressed I was with what Eugene (If he faced the world maybe I could face one appointment) did and got dressed, faced the cameras and hit the home run. Imagine a Fulbright Scholar relying on me. I e-mailed my therapist that I had finally spoken out in public again. I am not a dumb woman by any means I just didn’t know any of this. Only a few of my political friends know about this life. This last election I actually helped a Republican to win and ran my sister’s re-election campaign. I am gradually coming back to where I was before everything blew up in my face. I somehow just don’t feel the love in how you phrase things to me here. I would hope you would see I am just trying to get my life back. I worked very hard for many years, was elected to the Central Committee, always working for a better world. Naïve perhaps! This is who I am, someone healing her wounds and trying to make the best of it while struggling to make sense of it. Regards, Tete
Atma Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 98 |
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:08 pm Post subject: |
Tete wrote:
Quote:
I somehow just don’t feel the love in how you phrase things to me here. I would hope you would see I am just trying to get my life back.....I am, someone healing her wounds and trying to make the best of it while struggling to make sense of it.
My dearest Tete, Please know that in no way was I implying that the omission of Aiden was deliberate, or that you are at fault in any way. NO!!! Not at all. It is as you say, you are getting your information from other sources and, having never been on the inside, you rely on those sources. I understand the limitations of that. Actually, I value your posts very much and have the highest regard for your integrity and intelligence. Anyway, I still apologise. With love Atma
gyaniwasi Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 167 |
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 10:25 pm Post subject: |
Hi Atma, I recall some mention of Aiden being somewhere in South America. Like you, I'm curious about his experience. I remember him, and most of those early brothers and sisters from the London and Australian centres, as being very warm people - just as I experienced the Indian brothers and sisters as being very warm and hospitable. Aiden struck me as very versatile and of course very serviceable in those days. I recall him singing the early gyan songs in one of the sub-dialects of Hindi - something sounding like "canada". That was in 1978 in New Dehli. A few years later he and some other talented brothers - including Eugene - made a beautiful album called "Diamond Harbour". The lyrics and arrangements were superb for that time of the century, to say the least. Ken O'Donnel from Australia - who later migrated to Brazil - also wrote a beautiful book of poems much of which was later put to music. I think I might still have a copy of that cassette somewhere. You should be familiar with some of this judging from the length of your association. But back to Aiden: I remember a short story by him published in one of the World Renewal magazines. I think it was about a king who fell from grace but then through (BK) 'self knowledge' realised his mistakes and so turned around to face their consequences with that strength. That story was based on the power of recognizing one's 'karma' and left a lasting impression on me. I have no recollection of Aiden being egoistic, but then I didn't know him well. Like you, I can understand Dadi Janki's style of BK 'summary judgement.' I also have fond memories of Simon (who I learnt later migrated to the US), and Terry from Australia, and Julian and Wadi and Joy. Does anyone remember Wesley from Jamaica and Garfield from Trinidad? They were both in London at that time. Wesley had a soft and silky voice and sang beautifully. That London group was truly talented. Ah, those were short but memorable days! One person whose story I'd love to hear directly is Heidi, who walked aside and formed her own group then almost led them to a 'mass suicide'.... I hope one day they can find this site and share their reflections with us. Warm regards, Gy _________________ "Those were the days my friend ...."
Tete Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 169 |
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:06 pm Post subject: Old Ones |
TO ALL: As per my source: Aiden Walker, is still in contact, has a couple beautiful kids, wonderful wife, studied English at Cambridge Uni, very hard working (works as an Editor), hard working in life and play, very talented, about 53, latest photo of new baby (a spanking new motorcycle) , studied Hindi, multi-talented, great person/friend. (Lived with Aiden and Charlie in early days in England) Ken: Talented beyond measure, High IQ (one of the brightest he has met), in Brazil last 25 years, well known in So. America. Has made many music CDs (some here at our house), Senior BK in So. America, written many books, often on Brazilian TV, about 53 years old. Originally from Sydney. Eugene: Talented as a child always talking about the scientific method and other wonders of the world at an early age and even more impressive as an adult. He is a great father, husband and educator. Has many good memories of him and his family. Michael Timmins: Still with BKs, Joe (brother), and Margaret still in Sydney. Waddy: Still in Florida with BKs remains a good friend. Charlie: Still in Sydney, saw him last June keeps in contact. Rob: In Costa Rica being Rob. Pat: In love, living life with a wonderful woman. Gyaniwasi: He thinks he knows you but didn’t want to tell me! He said he has great memories of the early days which include you. If he left anyone out it’s due to him having a senior moment! Regrets such events due to his OLD AGE! The one not mentioned here is busy having a senior moment! He thinks? Sincerely the TODLER (I just repeat what I am told and often don’t know what I am repeating), Tete
Tete Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 169 |
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:13 pm Post subject: Thank You |
Atma, Thank you and have a happy Holiday Season. Sorry for the delay, it is often hard to get him to be chatty about these matters. He explained that Atma means soul. Still learning............... Regards, Tete
Tete Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 169 |
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:12 pm Post subject: Humble Pie |
Atma, I have given some thought about why I responded in such a raw (transparent way) to your question about Aiden. Well, perhaps I will do a confession of sorts so you understand why (one of many reasons) I became so fragile. I once worked on a little State Wide campaign where we faced an independently wealthy candidate (Millionaire +) who was filling his bank account with no problem. Add after add (hit pieces, our polls were dropping) and well he was mopping the floor with us misrepresenting our platform etc. On one night I was working late and I usually have every thing on: radio, TV, computer and often talking on the phone while typing. I am told I drive people crazy as I believe I can do all at once. Well, my ear caught something off in the distance on the TV. There he was (the candidate) on a Holy Rolly show, slipped in my treasured Chris Rock tape (humor on the 2000 election) and hit record. I noticed that the Rev. told him the Spirit or Ghost I can’t remember now had endorsed him. Oh, WOW I thought! We got ‘em! At stake were some sensitive coastal legislation that needed to be passed along with a host of things this guy was not for. I played the tape again, just to make sure it was true. There he was like a dear in the headlights, not knowing what to say to the Rev. Well, I felt his predicament, for about close to 5 minutes (that is a long time). I pondered the question: Poor guy caught in the headlights or Coastline? I thought COATLINE!!!! I called C and told them (operatives), then called it a night and my beloved asked “What mischief are you up to?” I told him. He never said a word…nada! Early next day C picked up the tape, flew it So. and even CNN picked it up. Most of these things are done very quietly no one is the wiser as to who (that is why they set up these committees like you see in the movies). Now, look where I sit today! Atma, I have had to have several servings of humble pie. The worst part is he knew and didn’t say anything? My friend David told me, that I shouldn’t feel bad, I didn’t know and would I do anything differently given what was at stake….? NO! I still feel bad about it now…funny as I didn’t feel bad about it before I learned about this BK stuff (spirit etc). Karma…. I don’t know? So, yes I have been humbled and then some… I truly don’t know much…when he told me about the first lot of Westerners he gave me a date (one I recognized). I never knew they joined on his birthday. All these years I thought the calls were about happy birthday and now realize it is more of Happy Anniversary (Remembrance)! I kid you not when I say I didn’t know. That is why I realize I saw many things and didn’t even know what I was seeing (I was never told). Hope you understand and that we are good…. Regards, Tete
Atma Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 98 |
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:34 pm Post subject: |
Tete, We are definitely good. Enjoy the holidays.
tween Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 9 Location: UK |
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 4:38 am Post subject: |
Waddy. She thinks I'm her mother in a previous life. Allow me to explain... When I started out on my BK path I contacted the US site [pre-UK site days] and offered my skills. From then we developed into email buddies. Once she noted that she always contacted me to tell me about where she was going on her travels. "It's like you're my mother" she said. And I divined a bit and said "Yes, do you remember the valley we lived in and the horses?" She was quite shaken, "Yes... actually we DID live in a valley with horses" I think we both laughed that spiritual knowing laugh to ourselves. One day I'm down at GRC and theres this Irish sister giving murli lessons and drishti. And it was during drishti that we both felt each other. That was quite something. We'd neve seen each other before, but both recognised each other at that moment. Years later, subsequent to my drifting away, I took a girlfriend [victoria] at the time to GRC and Waddy was there [again]. We had a lovely time and ate lunch with Waddy. She said things about victoria's relationship with her father [who was very overpowering] that victoria had never realised without knowing anything about it. A very lovely and perceptive and powerful soul. I miss her. I had no idea she was 'one of the first westerners' till now.
administrator Site Admin Joined: 15 Nov 2003 Posts: 48 |
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject: |
tween should not have posted here, as he did not have permission as required for this exclusive forum. However, in view of his apparent xbk status, we extend the invitation retrospectively and hence his infraction is cured. tween may post here and in all other forums of XBKchat. Admin
tween Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 9 Location: UK |
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:59 am Post subject: |
administrator wrote:
tween should not have posted here, as he did not have permission as required for this exclusive forum. However, in view of his apparent xbk status, we extend the invitation retrospectively and hence his infraction is cured.
Apologies, I hadn't realised I was in the closed forum. Thanks though
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